How do I lose weight?

Many people struggle with weight loss, or just want to get a few of those extra holiday pounds off. There are healthy smart ways to lose weight, and there are dangerous unhealthy ways. Choose ways that will keep the fat off, and maintain health.

While, Holidays mean family, visiting neighbors, going to parties, getting dressed up and going out, going to concerts.Holidays also mean gingerbread, mincemeat, fruitcake, turkey, ham, cookies, pecan pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie, champagne, red wine, white wine, restaurants, hors d'oeuvres, cheese, popcorn, hot chocolate, cider, wassail, chocolate cake, any other kind of cake, tarts, candy canes, and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.And it's when we get to this last part that our mouths start to drool and, at the same time, fear fills our hearts...and our stomachs.

Whether you're starting a new diet right now, or just want to make sure that you're eating well, or you're already on a diet and want a new one or just want more information, here's some guidelines on how to lose weight.There are lots of diet plans out there, and most of them sound too good to be true.That's because they are.They usually are hard on your body and only help you lose weight for a short amount of time.This is why they're so popular with celebrities.But you don't have to look good to go out on the red carpet.You have to be healthy all the time, instead, if you want to lose weight and keep it off.

Here are some general guidelines to losing weight.

1.Talk to your doctor.
If you want to lose weight, your doctor is the place to start.Your doctor can help you determine what a healthy weight for you is.Your doctor can also help you decide how much weight to lose, and how.We've all heard of low fat, low carb, low calorie, high fat-low carb, low fat-high carb diets, and more.These can work for you.The important thing for a healthy diet is to talk to your doctor or a nutritionist.These people can help you design a diet that is healthy for your body, rather than dangerous.Remember that the key to a healthy diet is healthy eating and exercise.Talk to your doctor about what's best for you.

2.Look at what you eat.
Before you start a diet to lose weight, or change your food intake, look at what you eat every day.Do you snack on fatty foods in between meals, even if your meals are healthy?Do you drink lots of soda?Do you drink lots of wine? How about that Starbucks every morning?See where all of your calories are coming from, and be honest!Keep track of how and what you're eating so that you can see how to get better at eating healthily.This is one of the keys to losing weight.

3.Look at when you eat.
Are there certain situations that make you eat more?Do you eat a lot in social situations-can't avoid those appetizers?Do you eat when you're sad?Do you eat when you're happy?Do you tend to eat more when you're depressed?If you can recognize what makes you eat, then you can start to change.If you're feeling sad and start heading for that tub of Ben and Jerry's Half-Baked ice cream, stop yourself.Do something else.Go exercise!This is one of the keys to losing weight.Change your habits!

4.Look at how you exercise.
So you want to lose weight.Do you exercise?How often?What kind of exercises do you do?There are several kinds of exercises that are important: toning, strength-building, flexibility, and aerobic.Make sure that you talk to a doctor about developing an exercise program.Everybody needs a different combination of exercises based on their ability and their needs.But remember that exercising is not just a central part of a losing weight in a healthy way, but it's also good for your emotions and your stress levels.

5.Stop when you're full!
If you want to lose weight, don't starve yourself, but stop eating when your body says stop!If you're full, don't keep plowing ahead with those mashed potatoes! It's okay to stop!Eat slowly so that you notice when you become full, and then stop eating.Another trick is to use a smaller plate.Studies have shown that people who eat off of smaller plates eat smaller portions, even when they go for seconds.These tricks are a great way to lose weight and keep it off.